Family Holz

It was the 26th July in 1974 when I took a telephone call from Roger Burridge who was a neighbour friend and work colleague; we were both Firemen in the Bedfordshire Fire Service at the time. As I remember it the phone call went something like I set out below.

Roger: “Hello Mick; wonder if you could help, there is a German student visiting would you be able to put him up for a few days”? Mick: “Josie —- can we put a chap from Germany up? —– Josie: Yes”. — Mick: — “Yes Roger that’s alright with Josie; but when is he coming?— Roger: Well tonight he is at the railway station, — Mick: What now? Roger: Yes”. Mick:—-“Right I will go down and pick him up,— what’s his name”? Roger:— “Not sure but I think its Robert, Mick:—- Thanks I had better get going.

It was about 1830 and Bedford rail station is about eight minuets away, at the time I had a hot rod mini that had been altered from the standard type, it was rather loud and very fast. Robert stayed with us from the 26th July to 15th August 1974! We had a great time together and there was a strong bond that developed between us.

From that day to this now 2019, 45 years have passed by, I consider Robert Holz to be my very best friend him and his family have been so kind to me over the years. They have always shown me the warmest hospitably I could wish for. Robert had come to England to help with his English studies; Robert was just leaving school and had secured employment in an opticians shop in Koln as this was to be his chosen profession.

The following year I was invited to a mountain village named Vigens near Ilinaz Switzerland, I had a wonderful time and met Roberts mother Tosca, Heinz his Father and Betena their Daughter. I had travelled by train to a town named Chur and I was met by Robert and his father Heinz. It was during this first visit Tosca taught me to make a cheese fondue; this dish became very popular with my family.

My children Ruth and Jason also visited Robert and one year Josie joined me as well. Another year I took collectables and sold them on the Alt. Market in Koln in the old part of the city, Robert and his family were always most helpful. Over the past forty years our friendship has grown and a strong bond of brotherly love has developed between us.
A great honour was paid to me when in 2013 Robert included me in his Family Name. Therefore I use the Name: Michael James Holz Gurr.

Alt. Market In the old sector the city of Koln

Tosca Mother,
Heinz Father

Bettina Roberts sister
Heiker Matthiess – Holz wife

Mengardia
Alischia (Daughters)
Natascha